§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Lord Privy Seal what is the gross borrowing ceiling for the Commonwealth Development Corporation for 1980–81; how this compares with the figures for the previous five years at constant prices; and what is the intended figure for 1981–82.
§ Mr. Neil MartenThe total available for borrowing by the Commonwealth Development Corporation from the aid programme this financial year is £25 million. Figures for the five previous years, at 1980–81 prices, were:
£million 1975–76 31.7 1976–77 29.5 1977–78 38.0 1978–79 23.0 1979–80 33.1 The figure for 1981–82 is being considered in the light of the CDC review, but no decision has yet been taken.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Lord Privy Seal what consideration he has given to allowing the Commonwealth Development Corporation permission to borrow money from the commercial market in view of the cut in its gross borrowing ceiling for 1980–81; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Neil MartenThe possibility of commercial borrowing by the Commonwealth Development Corporation is one of a number of issues under consideration in the light of the recent review of the corporation. The Government's decision on this will be made known to the House as soon as possible.